How to export transactions from Barclays
Exports are easiest from Barclays online banking in a web browser rather than the app. Open the account and look for an Export option on the transactions page. Choose the date range and the CSV (comma separated) format, then download. Barclays may limit how far back an export can go; for older periods, use your PDF statements with our PDF statement converter.
If you have a Barclays business account connected to Xero through a bank feed, the feed is the simplest route for day-to-day transactions. A file import is still useful for filling gaps before the feed started, or when a feed has broken.
Menus change. Barclays updates its online banking from time to time, so the exact button names may differ from what's described here. If you can't find the option, search Barclays's help pages for “download transactions”.
What a Barclays CSV looks like
| Number | Date | Account | Amount | Subcategory | Memo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/01/2026 | 20-00-00 12345678 | -48.20 | Debit | TESCO STORES 3021 ON 04 JAN | |
| 06/01/2026 | 20-00-00 12345678 | 1850.00 | Counter Credit | ACME LTD SALARY JAN | |
| 08/01/2026 | 20-00-00 12345678 | -75.00 | Direct Debit | OCTOPUS ENERGY REF 0099 |
The important columns are Date (day-first, so 05/01/2026 is 5 January), Amount (already signed, money out negative) and Memo, which holds the payee and reference run together, often separated by a tab or a run of spaces. Number is usually empty, Account repeats the sort code and account number on every line, and Subcategory describes the payment type — Debit, Direct Debit, Standing Order, Counter Credit, Funds Transfer and so on.
Common problems with Barclays files in Xero
- Xero needs a payee, description or reference. The raw file has none of those headings, so Xero's column matching is guesswork. The converter outputs Xero's own layout with the Memo text as the description.
- Extra spaces and tabs in Memo. These are tidied so bank rules in Xero match more reliably.
- Dates read as US format. If the file is opened and saved in a spreadsheet set to US settings, 05/01/2026 can become 1 May. The converter reads Barclays dates day-first, and the Xero file uses DD/MM/YYYY to match a UK organisation.
- Old exports with a £ sign showing as a strange character. Some exports are saved in an older Windows text encoding. The converter detects it and reads the file correctly.
Import the converted file into Xero
- In Xero, go to Accounting → Bank accounts, find the account and choose Manage account → Import a statement.
- Upload the file. For an OFX file, Xero imports straight away. For a CSV, Xero asks you to match the columns: Date → Transaction Date, Amount → Transaction Amount, Payee → Payee, Description → Description.
- Check the preview Xero shows, complete the import, then reconcile as usual.
Our Xero import guide covers each screen and the messages you might see.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Subcategory column mean in a Barclays export?
It is the payment type, such as Debit, Direct Debit, Standing Order or Counter Credit. Xero doesn’t need it, so it isn’t included in the Xero CSV.
Which date format should I use for a UK Xero organisation?
DD/MM/YYYY. The converter picks it automatically for a UK bank file; you can change it in step 3 if your Xero organisation uses a different region.
Should I import a CSV or an OFX file into Xero?
OFX imports without column matching and carries a unique ID for each transaction, which helps Xero avoid duplicates. CSV gives you more control over the payee and description. Both work.
Can I export Barclays transactions from the app?
Exports are usually easier from online banking in a web browser. The app’s options vary between account types.
Is my Barclays data uploaded anywhere?
No. The conversion runs in your browser and the file never leaves your device.